To be clear we learned a lot in week 17 but this is just what we learned about on the grid iron. What we learned about coaching will come later in the day. So without further ado lets say farewell to 2016 and the NFL regular season. Here is what we learned in week 17.
- Forget the Cowboys the heavy favorite in the NFC should be the Packers: Aaron Rodgers proved on SNF with 300 yards passing and 4 touchdowns that he can lead this team on a deep playoff run. The defense that held this team back early in the season is starting to hold teams. If Ty Montgomery and this running attack can step up this team might just run the table again. There might be only one team that can stop them.
- And guess what that team is not the Cowboys, It’s the team that hales from the peach state: The Falcons are the most underappreciated team in the NFL. Maybe because they play in a dome, maybe because they play in Atlanta, maybe it’s because of the SEC, whatever it is you need to pay attention to the Falcons in the Playoffs. In my mind the MVP is clearly Matt Ryan, he may not win it because of Tom Brady’s media exposure but people will take notice in the playoffs. Atlanta’s offense is heavy on deep passing good run blocking and explosive backs. Don’t count them out.
- Seahawks Lions might be the most fascinating playoff game out there: The Seahawks are the Jeckl and Hyde team of the NFL. One week they’ll destroy the Rams the next they struggle to beat the 49ers. If the Seahawks are to make a run its going to have to be propelled by Russell Wilsons arm alone. Meanwhile the Lions are the ultimate comeback kid story with more fourth quarter comebacks than any other team this season. Which versions of these teams will show up Saturday night we will see. Farewell regular season.
